Welcome to the ISES Greater Chicago Chapter!

President’s Message by Gwendolyn Y. McNutt, CSEP

Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “Why should I become a member of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the International Special Events Society?” While every ISES member could probably give you a different answer to that question, my answer is simple – I am an ISES member because this is an organization that strives to elevate the special events industry through educational and networking opportunities. Some of these opportunities include monthly chapter meetings, educational conferences like Eventworld: An Institute for Professional Development and regional meetings that bring people together to share their experiences and to learn.

I joined the International Special Events Society (ISES) five years ago, and each year I have become more involved because I can see the direct, positive impact that ISES has had on my career, my personal relationships, my life and on the special events industry as a whole. Like many people, I initially joined the Society to cultivate new business opportunities, but I quickly learned that there is so much more to this organization. As an industry association run by and for local special events industry professionals, ISES is dedicated to keeping its membership informed about new and innovative business developments affecting the special events industry.

Last year, our chapter completed the year as one of the largest ISES chapters in the Midwest, with more than 200 members. Membership joins professionals from a variety of special event disciplines including journalists, venues, caterers, meeting and event planners, decorators, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, educators, photographers, hotel sales managers and many more. During the current 2007-08 year, we hope our membership will continue to grow; so, if you are thinking of joining ISES, now is the time. We warmly welcome you and your talents to our organization. New members bring more business contacts, a greater diversity of knowledge and give a stronger voice to our Society. And, if you are already a member, we encourage you to reach out and recruit as many new members as you can. As you can see, growing our organization is a good investment for everyone.

I am honored to be this year’s ISES Greater Chicago President. We have a group of wonderful people on our Board and are always looking for new talents to join our Society. I trust that if you have ideas about how to make ISES a better organization, you will share them with us. Don't hesitate to contact me or any of the other Board members with questions and concerns. We also encourage all members to attend the monthly chapter meetings, which allow us continuous opportunities to network with others in the Greater Chicago area special events industry and help us to stay on top of industry news and trends.

I am excited about what the coming year will bring and I look forward to serving this great Society as President. Please know that I will always try to do my best, and that I welcome any and all suggestions along the way.

Thanks for visiting the ISES Greater Chicago Web site.

Warmest Wishes,

Gwendolyn Y. McNutt, CSEP
President
2007-08 ISES Greater Chicago Chapter